City to vote on benefits measure for same-sex partners of public employees

By GIOVANNA FABIANO, Courier News Online, March 14, 2006

PLAINFIELD, NJ -- The City Council is expected to vote next week on whether to extend benefits to same-sex domestic partners of public employees, officials announced Monday.

City officials and residents crowded into the City Hall library to express their support for the law, which would make available pension and health benefits under the state Domestic Partnership Act.

"I wanted to thank the council for their hard work, having the foresight and joining the list of municipalities that have adopted the resolution," said Joan Hervey, a city resident and founder of the gay activist group Plainfield Area Equality.

City Councilman Rashid Burney, who advocated for the resolution, said he is confident the measure will be approved at next Monday's council meeting.

"I'm very proud of the council people.  This is about basic fundamental humanity, respect and dignity," Burney said.

Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs was also at the meeting to offer her support for the measure.  The benefits domestic partners would reap are divided into two separate ordinances -- one for health benefits, the other for pension benefits.  Should the ordinances pass, domestic partners would have to register with the state, Burney said.

More than 150 municipalities across the state, including Piscataway, Union County, the Union County Board of Freeholders and Westfield Board of Education, have approved benefits for same-sex partners.  Supporters have noted there is a distinction between same-sex marriage and domestic partnership in Plainfield.

In August 2004, a resolution in support of a same-sex marriage lawsuit was introduced in the City Council but failed to win passage.  Dozens of supporters -- and opponents -- packed the City Hall library to speak about their hopes and concerns.  In the end, the resolution died because of a lack of support among council members.

Plainfield's demographic makeup contributes to a unique environment.  There is a strong religious community, some of whose members opposed the same-sex marriage measure.  On the other hand, the city has an active gay community; according to the 2000 Census, almost 200 households consist of same-sex partners.

Supporters at Monday's agenda session were encouraged by the positive response.

"Hooray to the city council on the matter of domestic partnership benefits for employees ... I'm sorry it took so long to happen," city resident Dottie Gutenkauf said.

At a glance:  For more information on the state's Domestic Partnership Act, including a list of counties and municipalities that have approved benefits for same-sex partners, go to www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/dp_page.htm.
 

Giovanna Fabiano can be reached at (908) 707-3142 or gfabiano@c-n.com